Abstract
Civic engagement among immigrants matters in two distinct ways. The first lies with the benefits to the community from immigrant civic engagement by immigrants. The second lies in the advantages that may accrue to immigrants. Numerous studies have shown that civic engagement and economic success often go hand in hand. It is important to determine if this relationship holds for immigrants as well. In addition, most research typically assumes that it is initial economic success that fosters subsequent civic engagement. We explore the possibility that immigrant civic engagement is correlated with their economic success. The analyses presented here are based on surveys with 2,230 foreign-born residents of the U.S., all of whom have postsecondary education experience outside the U.S. and, in some cases, also in the U.S. Our analyses suggest that the trajectories associated with professional success are gendered. Men who volunteer at business, neighborhood, or community organizations have a greater likelihood of reporting professional success than women who volunteer in similar organizations. We conclude with specific suggestions for local officials interested in facilitating professional success among all immigrant professionals.
